Vacuum-cleaner.



A2 J. S'IECKER.

VACUUM CLEANER.

APPUCATION FILED JULYZZ, \915.

Patented May 9, 1916.

I 2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

3% 9 pm /wmflumw 2 SHEEYS SHHT 2 (inventor $3M? WMMM face to be cleaned.

STATES PATENT oFFIoE.

ALFRED J. STEGKER, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR T0 FRED WARDELL, 0F

1 DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

VACUUM-CLEANER.

Application filed July 22, 1915. Serial N 0. 41,276.

. citizen of the United States of America, re-

siding at Detroit, in the county of \Vayne and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Vacuum-Cleaners, of, which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

The invention relates to vacuum cleaners of that type in which the suction tool is directly connected to the motor and fan casing, and is movable therewith over the sur- Such machines are adapted for the cleaning of flat surfaces such as floors, carpets, rugs, etc., but could not be conveniently used in the cleaning of furniture and other articles having irregular surfaces. It is therefore desirable to provide a flexible hose or suction conduit as an auxiliary cleaning device, and this necessitates means for alternatively connecting the suction with the tool and the hose. The use of valves or cut-ofi's in vacuum cleaners is objectionable, due to the'tendency for the dirt to lodge on any irregular surface or obstruction, and furthermore such use complicates the construction.,' I have therefore devised a simple 'valveless construction, in which the suction may be applied either to the direct tool or to the hose, as hereinafter set forth;

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspec-- tive view of the machine adjusted for use'of the directly connected tool; Fig. 2 is a similar view showing an adjustment for the use of the flexible hose; Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section; and Figs. 4: and 5 are perspective views showing a modified construction of hinge connection.

A is the motor casing, which is fixed or integral with the fan casing B, and C is the directly connected tool extending from the suction port of the fan, and provided with a slotted lower end in proximity to the surface to be cleaned. As shown, the casing A is su ported upon a caster-wheel D, and wheels ii) at the opposite ends of the tool C form additional supports. To permit of attaching a hose without the use of a valve or shut-off for the tool C, the latter is adjustably connected to the fan housing, preferably by a hinge F. The portion of the tool. which is hinged is in the form of a cap G, which fits upon a seat on the casing Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 9, 1916.

and is normally locked thereto by a fastener H. When this fastener is disengaged the tool C may be turned into the position shown in Fig. 2, where the cap portion clears the suction port to permit of the engagement of a hose.

For attachment of the hose, a suitable nipple I is attached to the fan casing, and preferably this nipple is formed integral with a dish shaped closure J having an annular marglnal portion K forming the seat for the cap G. The nipple I is adapted to fit within the upper portion of the tool C so as to not interfere with the same when in normal operatlon; but whenever the tool is turned back on its hinge the nipple is exposed for attachment of the hose L. Thus the adjustment for using the hose may be quickly effected and without the'necessity of completely detaching the directly operating tool.

In the modified construction shown in Figs. 4 and 5 a hinge connection is provided which permits of the detachment of the tool C when desired. This, as shown, comprises a bracket M carrying a pin N and secured detachment, but if it is desired to detachthe parts this may be done by springing the clips P out of engagement.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In a vacuum'cleaner, the combination with a motor and fan casing, of a nipple at the suction port of said casing, and a suction tool directly connected to said casing adjustable from a position in registration with said nipple to a position for clearing the same.

2. In a vacuum cleaner, the combination with a motor and fan casing, of a nipple projecting from the suction port of said casing, a suction tool directly connected with said casing and normally inclosing said nipple, and means permitting the adjustment of said tool to clear said nipple.

3. In a vacuum cleaner, the combination with a motor and fan casing, of a nipple projecting from the suction-port thereof, a suction tool having a portion for seating on said casing surrounding said nipple, and a to the fan casing B. O is a bracket secured to the cap G and provided with spring clips hinged connection permitting the movement adjustable from a position covering said 10 of said tool to uncover said nipple. port to a position clearing the same.

4. In a vacuum cleaner, the combination In testimony whereof I afiix my signa- With a motor and fan casing, the latter ture in presence of two Witnesses.

being formed with an opening of a closure for said opening, formed with a suction ALFRED STEOKER'. port, and a suction tool hinged to said cas- Witnesses: ing and normally seating against the margi- JAMES P. BARRY,

nal portion of said closure, said tool being GEORGE E. MOORE. 

